Madeira by a Local
Discover the best of Madeira Island (and Porto Santo) by the eyes of a Local. Our Recommendations
Driving in Madeira: Steep Streets, Parking and Choosing a Hire Car
Compare hire-car choices in Madeira and check steep access roads, parking and rental terms before arriving.
Madeira Without a Car: What You Can Do from Funchal and What Takes Planning
Plan Madeira without a car from Funchal, combining city visits, buses and booked transport with a workable return.
The 7 Best Walks in Madeira to Do in 2026: Your Essential Hiking Guide
Welcome to Madeira, the pearl of the Atlantic, a green paradise where every mountain bend reveals breathtaking scenery. If you're planning your visit and thinking about putting on your hiking boots, you've come to the right place. As locals who know every trail, we understand that the vast network of levadas and paths (the famous walks in...
Paul do Mar Surf: Conquering Madeira’s Most Powerful Reef Breaks
Riding the Wild Side: Why Paul Do Mar Surf is a Must-Visit Destination Welcome to the sun-drenched southwest coast of Madeira Island, a place where the ocean dictates the rhythm of life. For those passionate about the raw power of the Atlantic, the village of Paul do Mar surf has rapidly carved out a reputation as an unmissable phenomenon on the...
How to Reach Madeira Island: The Complete Travel Guide by Locals
Planning a trip to one of the Atlantic's most breathtaking destinations starts with one practical question: how do you actually get there? Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning traveller, understanding your options for reaching Madeira Island will save you time, money, and a fair amount of stress. At Madeira by a Local, Luis and...
Tourist Tax in Funchal, Madeira: Everything You Need to Know
Planning a trip to Madeira's sun-soaked capital and wondering whether a tourist tax will appear on your hotel bill? You are not alone. Since Funchal introduced its municipal tourist tax in late 2024, this question has become one of the most searched queries by visitors planning a stay on the island. The short answer is yes, there is a tourist tax...
What to Do in Madeira Island: The Ultimate Local’s Guide
Madeira is one of those rare places that defies easy categorisation. It is not a beach destination in the traditional sense, not a city break, and not just a hiking island. It is all of these things at once, layered across dramatic cliffs, ancient laurel forests, and a coastline that meets the Atlantic with raw, unfiltered energy. If you are...
How Big Is Madeira? What the Map Won’t Tell You About Driving Times
Madeira measures about 57 by 22 km. Understand why access, parking and time at each stop matter more than the map alone.
Is Madeira Worth Visiting? An Honest Local’s Answer
Every year, thousands of travellers ask themselves the same question before booking their flights: is Madeira worth visiting? The short answer, from someone who lives here, is an unequivocal yes. But the more interesting answer explains exactly why this small Atlantic island consistently surprises people far beyond their initial expectations....
Madeira Swing: The Ultimate Scenic Adventure on the Island
Swing Over the Atlantic, The Giant Ocean Swing in Porto Moniz, Madeira Island. High above the rugged cliffs of Madeira’s north coast, a thrilling new attraction awaits adventure seekers: the Madeira Swing, officially known as the Baloiço Oceânico (Ocean Swing) at the Fajã do Barro viewpoint, in Lamaceiros, Porto Moniz. Suspended more than 20...
Living in Madeira: Pros & Cons (By Locals Who Know)
Thinking about moving to Madeira? Here’s what it’s really like to live here, straight from locals who know the island inside and out. It’s beautiful, peaceful, and full of character, but it’s not perfect. Let’s break down the pros and cons. What We Love About Living in Madeira 1. Lovely Weather Madeira enjoys mild, pleasant weather all year...
Where to Stay in Madeira: Choose Your Base Before Your Hotel
Choose a Madeira base around walking routes, evening meals, parking and transport before comparing hotels.
Sightseeing in Funchal, Madeira: Top 5 Must-See Attractions
Funchal, the vibrant capital of Madeira, is a city where breathtaking landscapes meet rich culture and history. From lush gardens filled with exotic plants to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, sightseeing in Funchal, Madeira, offers an unforgettable mix of nature, tradition, and charm. Whether you’re wandering through historic...
Madeira by a Local
Madeira by a Local is where you will be able to find all the activties, recommendations and more about Madeira Island. If you are coming to madeira, read our recommendations.
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Accommodations
Madeira or Porto Santo Island
Discover some of the best locations to stay by the eyes of a local.
Gardens & Parks
Madeira or Porto Santo Island
Discover some of the best Gardens and parks by the eyes of a local.
Gastronomy
Madeira or Porto Santo Island
Discover some of the best restaurants & food by the eyes of a local.
Leisure Activities
Madeira or Porto Santo Island
Discover some of the best Leisure Activities by the eyes of a local.
Air Activities
Madeira or Porto Santo Island
Discover some of the best Air Activities by the eyes of a local.
Land Activities
Madeira or Porto Santo Island
Discover some of the best Land Activities through the eyes of a local.
Sea Activities
Madeira or Porto Santo Island
Discover some of the best Sea Activities through the eyes of a local.
